Dell Latitude 7390 13" vs HP EliteBook 840 G8 14"

The Dell Latitude 7390 13 (released in 2018) and the HP EliteBook 840 G8 14 (released in December 2020) are business-oriented laptops designed for productivity and portability. While both operate on the Windows platform, the EliteBook 840 G8 is a more recent offering, bringing with it updated internal components and connectivity options. The primary differentiators lie in their release timelines, screen sizes, and the generation of their core components.

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including their initial release dates and the typical duration of software support.

• Release Timeline: The Dell Latitude 7390 was introduced in 2018, making it an older model compared to the HP EliteBook 840 G8, which launched in December 2020. This difference in release year means the EliteBook 840 G8 benefits from a longer potential period of official software updates and security patches from its manufacturer and Microsoft.
• Software Support: Both laptops run on the Windows operating system, and their support lifespan is largely tied to Microsoft's update policies and the manufacturers' driver support. The newer EliteBook 840 G8 will likely receive critical OS updates and security enhancements for a longer duration than the Latitude 7390, extending its functional life.
• Durability and Build: The Dell Latitude 7390 offers build options including magnesium alloy, carbon fiber, or machined aluminum and is MIL-STD-810G certified for resilience against environmental extremes. The HP EliteBook 840 G8 features an aluminum chassis and is MIL-STD-810H tested, indicating a robust construction designed for business use. Both are built to withstand the rigors of daily professional use, suggesting a durable physical lifespan.

The performance of these laptops is largely dictated by their internal processing capabilities and memory configurations, impacting how smoothly they handle various tasks.

• Processing Power: The Dell Latitude 7390 is equipped with 8th generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, providing solid performance for general office applications and multitasking. The HP EliteBook 840 G8, being a newer model, features 11th generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, which offer enhanced efficiency and responsiveness for demanding applications and more intensive workloads.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: Both devices support ample RAM configurations, with the Latitude 7390 typically offering 8GB to 16GB, and the EliteBook 840 G8 supporting up to 64GB of DDR4-3200 RAM. The EliteBook's newer processor and higher potential RAM capacity contribute to smoother multitasking and faster application loading, particularly noticeable when running multiple resource-intensive programs simultaneously.
• Storage Solutions: Both laptops utilize solid-state drives (SSDs) for storage, ranging from 256GB to 512GB for the Latitude 7390 and up to 1TB for the EliteBook 840 G8. This ensures quick boot times and rapid data access on both devices, though the EliteBook may offer larger capacities for users requiring extensive local storage.

The visual experience on these laptops differs primarily in screen size and display technology characteristics, which influence clarity and color reproduction.

• Display Size and Resolution: The Dell Latitude 7390 features a 13.3-inch Full HD (1920x1080) IPS display. The HP EliteBook 840 G8 comes with a slightly larger 14-inch Full HD (1920x1080) IPS anti-glare display. Both offer sharp images suitable for productivity tasks.
• Brightness and Clarity: The Latitude 7390's display typically offers brightness levels around 286-307 nits. The EliteBook 840 G8's display can vary significantly, with standard configurations around 250 nits, but options available up to 1000 nits, including privacy screens. This higher brightness potential on some EliteBook configurations provides better visibility in brightly lit environments or outdoors.
• Color Reproduction and Viewing Experience: The Latitude 7390's screen covers a wide sRGB color gamut, ranging from 98% to 132%, offering vibrant colors. The EliteBook 840 G8 typically covers 45% to 97% of the sRGB color gamut, providing good color accuracy for most business applications. Both feature IPS panels, ensuring wide viewing angles.

For communication and media consumption, the camera and audio systems play a significant role, with both laptops offering features tailored for professional use.

• Webcam Quality: Both the Dell Latitude 7390 and the HP EliteBook 840 G8 are equipped with 720p webcams, suitable for video conferencing. Some configurations of both models include an IR camera for facial recognition, enhancing security and login convenience. User sentiment suggests the webcam quality on both is functional for video calls but not exceptional for high-quality image capture.
• Audio Experience: The Latitude 7390 features speakers located under its front edge. User reviews for the Latitude 7390 indicate average sound quality, often suggesting external speakers for an enhanced audio experience. The EliteBook 840 G8, on the other hand, boasts dual stereo speakers tuned by Bang & Olufsen and a three-multi-array microphone system, aiming for a more refined audio experience for calls and media.
• Microphone Performance: The EliteBook 840 G8 integrates an AI-based audio experience and a three-multi-array microphone, designed to improve clarity during virtual meetings. While specific microphone details for the Latitude 7390 are less prominent in general reviews, it is expected to offer standard performance for business communication.